Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of Irish international lock Dan Tuohy on loan from Bristol.

The 32-year-old has played for Gloucester and Ulster and made 11 test appearances for Ireland.

He joins the Tigers squad to add to second-row options with Graham Kitchener ruled out after surgery on a facial injury and Mike Fitzgerald sidelined after surgery on a knee injury suffered in pre-season.

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Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “We’ve suffered a couple of injuries at lock and, as we enter a key part of the season in the league and in Europe, we felt it was important to add to our senior players there.

“Dan has played extensively in the Premiership and in the European Cup, and he brings a lot of experience into the squad at an important time.”

Dan Tuohy in action for Bristol

Bristol head coach Pat Lam said: “I was approached by Matt O’Connor, who specifically requested to bring Dan in on loan.

"It’s a great opportunity for him to get some game-time in the top flight and get some minutes under his belt after returning from a long term injury.

“The lock position is an area where we have plenty of strength in depth at the moment, as well as some exciting young, English-qualified academy graduates like Sam Jeffries and Joe Joyce vying for a starting berth.

"We’ll be monitoring Dan closely during his time at Welford Road.”

Tuohy played seven times for Bristol last season in the Premiership before breaking his arm in the game against Worcester.